Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!-Chapter 1175: Not Leaving Home

In the afternoon, Ming Teng returned, ignoring Ming Rui, and ran straight to the main courtyard without waiting for the maidservant outside to announce him, and barged in to see Grandmother was painting.

Ming Teng had been thinking all day, and the more he thought, the more aggrieved he felt. Seeing Grandmother, he couldn’t control his emotions; he didn’t want to go to his parents because he believed only Grandmother could change Grandfather’s mind.

Zhulan’s painting on the table was ruined, she signaled to maid Song to take it away, and after washing her hands, she saw Ming Teng on the verge of tears, which made her heart ache. She beckoned him, "Come here and let Grandmother have a look."

Ming Teng, with the build of a sturdy youth, approached sniveling, "Grandmother, I don’t want to be adopted into another family."

Zhulan, wiping Ming Teng’s tears with a gentle touch of her handkerchief, said, "Being adopted doesn’t mean you have to leave home. You will still live here, it’s just that your surname will change."

Ming Teng was stunned, "No, not leave home?"

Zhulan pulled Ming Teng to sit down and poured him a cup of fruit tea, "Yes, your fourth uncle, Great-grandfather, will live in the residence in the future. When the new house is renovated and made accessible, of course, you can stay until you get married and have children, and perhaps even receive an official title. Of course, if you don’t want the title, it’s also possible. After your grandfather and I pass away, that house will be left to our main branch."

When the time came, the entire estate would belong to the main family, and whether Ming Teng would take on the title would be entirely up to him. Aside from a different surname, he would continue to live with the main family as before.

This was agreed upon by Zhou Shuren and Yu Dang. It was natural for Yu Dang to agree; by adopting a child, he simply wanted to preserve the legacy of the Rong family, not to sever ties with the Zhou family. Moreover, Yu Dang was keen on maintaining stronger connections, as they were all true brothers. Why go it alone when unity and mutual support could take them further?

Ming Teng’s heart, fraught with uncertainty, was now at ease. Yet he asked, "Why me? Although your grandson is mischievous, I am very obedient."

Zhulan smiled, having already alleviated Ming Teng’s biggest concern. No longer hearing the voice of panic in her grandson, she continued, "It is precisely because you are obedient and true to yourself that your parents or even your grandparents think deeply about your future. But your grandparents are old, and even though we are greedy—wanting a good future for all of you without having many resources— we have always aimed to secure a brighter future for everyone in the family during these unfair times, even if it means making calculated decisions."

Ming Teng felt a surge of emotion. His straightforward nature didn’t mean he knew less. He knew that among his peers from official families at the Academy, there was competition for family resources all for their own futures.

Ming Teng realized their family was different—unified and without messy affairs—so he had overlooked it. Now, thinking about it, he hung his head and didn’t dare to meet his grandmother’s gaze, as he understood why he was to be adopted.

His parents’ words from the previous night echoed again in his ears. They were reluctant to let him go but agreed for the sake of his better future.

Zhulan, stroking Ming Teng’s head, said, "In an era where imperial power is supreme, there is so much helplessness and injustice. What you grandparents can do for the family is to strive for a better future for everyone within these unjust times, even if it involves schemes and assessments. As long as it is for the good of the family, we will act accordingly."

Zhulan paused, then added, "Grandmother knows that although you are not as scholarly as your brothers, you are a child with a keen mind and heart—a trait from your mother. You have such a clear-sighted nature; your grandparents are not willing for you to take detours. Since there is a direct path to your destination, your grandparents, your parents, and your brothers are all willing."

The anxiety and resentment in Ming Teng’s heart completely dissipated. He lay his head on his grandmother’s lap, "Grandson has worried the family."

Zhulan was fond of this child. As she patted the sobbing grandson, her eyes were full of laughter. She could teach the children life’s lessons but she was powerless when it came to academics. Back in her own time, she might have been a top student, but in the ancient times, she struggled with the Classical texts—it really gave her a headache. Despite years of effort, she was still no match for a specialist like Zhou Shuren.

Zhou, the eldest son, and Lady Li stood at the doorway. They knew something was wrong when they heard from Ming Rui that Ming Teng had stormed toward the main courtyard. They originally intended to enter, but were stopped by maid Song. Only then did they overhear the conversation between their son and mother.

Last night, father spoke only of reason, whereas mother expressed the innermost feelings of both her and father. With tears in her eyes, Lady Li pulled her husband aside, signaling for them to leave.

Zhou Shuren’s last traces of reluctance and discontent had completely vanished. Behind their backs, his parents had given too much for their family. Since mother kept silent, they could only see what was on the surface. Once out of the main courtyard, Zhou Shuren’s voice carried a nasal tone, "Changing my surname doesn’t mean leaving the family; for this, father and mother will have to raise Uncle Ming Teng."

Wiping away her tears, Lady Li said, "The greatest blessing of my life was to have met mother."

Zhou Shuren, "..."

No, shouldn’t the greatest blessing be marrying him? It was only by marrying him that she could have met mother, right?

That evening, when Zhou Shuren returned, Zhulan helped him change his clothes and relayed the conversation with Ming Teng. Zhou Shuren turned to look at Zhulan; he couldn’t do as Zhulan did and speak everything out loud.

Today, the Rongchuan couple and Xue Mei’s entire family had come, and after the meal, they formally announced the matter of Ming Teng’s adoption.

As for Ming Shan, he had already returned to his purchased residence in the capital; it was Zhulan who had helped him buy it, in South City—a decent place.

The Zhou children all calmly accepted the news. Yushuang and Yu Lu looked worriedly at Ming Teng, but seeing the brightness in his eyes and no resentment, they both breathed a sigh of relief.

After the meal, Zhou Shuren kept his sons and eldest grandson behind to convey the Emperor’s words to Uncle, "I think Uncle’s Marquis title will be hereditary. If it isn’t, your current title might be elevated."

Elevated to a Duke, and Ming Teng, upon succession, would drop one level to also be a Marquis. How the rewards would be granted depended on the Crown Prince’s decision.

Chang Yi and Chang Zhi both looked to their eldest brother. Zhou Shuren was stunned; he understood that no matter what, Ming Teng would end up with the rank of a Marquis. Since he had given up Enqing, his son would be a powerful Marquis. Besides, his son was not leaving the family. He was grateful to have his father take the lead on this, otherwise he truly couldn’t have handled it himself.

Yu Dang said, "I’ve been frequently visiting the palace lately, and the Emperor has already dropped some hints. Since the Emperor has mentioned it, let’s choose a date soon. What do you think?"

Zhou Shuren was decisive, considering it was an inevitable event, "Sure, Uncle has been through a lot of trouble. I don’t have much energy to spare; if you need anything, ask Chang Li for help."

Yu Dang grinned, feeling more reluctant to return to his own residence since living in the Zhou house. With so many people and lively atmosphere, growing old meant living off the vitality of others. At the Zhou residence, he slept well and ate well, believing he could easily live another decade or more.

Yu Dang was happy that Ming Teng wasn’t leaving the family, and that he too could stay on. "Alright, I’ll pick the date. My place is in South City, but I’m thinking of first holding a simple adoption ceremony at your residence. Later, when we move to the newly established Hou Residence, I’ll throw a big celebration. At the same time, we’ll settle the Princely Heir. It will be like having three blessings come upon the house at once, don’t you think?"

Zhou Shuren had no objections, "Uncle’s arrangements are quite good."

Chang Yi and Chang Zhi sincerely congratulated their big brother. Seeing Chang Yi and Chang Zhi weren’t blinded by the title, Zhou Shuren stroked his beard, satisfied.

Yu Dang was satisfied too. He thought Zhou Shuren knew how to educate his children well. Indeed, the Zhou children were good, sharing the same blood. Yes, it was their branch that had the superior lineage.